Path disruption alert vehicle

ABSTRACT

A system for alerting vehicles of upcoming hazards is described. The system includes a driverless alert vehicle which proceeds an ensuing vehicle on a route or track. The system includes two way communication between the alert vehicle and ensuing vehicle, and communication between the alert vehicle and other systems. Communication from the ensuing vehicle set the distance and speed of the alert vehicle. Communication from the alert vehicle to the ensuing vehicle warn of hazards such as damaged or missing track, oncoming vehicles, or other types of path disruption.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No. 62/384,582, filed on Sep. 7, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The substitute specification contains no new matter.

BACKGROUND

Derailment and collision of trains with other objects causes damage to property and life. Reduction of train collisions and derailments are provided by human operators, gps, and other methods which are not always successful.

Many collisions and derailments may be avoided by real time communication with a vehicle positioned ahead of an ensuing vehicle in accordance with this invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an alert vehicle, positioned ahead of an ensuing vehicle, that can communicate hazards to the ensuing vehicle. Such hazards that may cause path disruption include other vehicles or objects in the vehicle path and missing or damaged track, rail, trail, or road. In one embodiment, the alert vehicle has two way communication with the ensuing vehicle to determine such information as the distance between the two vehicles, alerts required, and heartbeat messages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary alert vehicle and ensuing vehicle on a railroad track

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary alert vehicle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of an alert vehicle and associated methods of using such alert vehicles to alert ensuing vehicles of hazards according to the present disclosure are described. It is to be understood, however, that the following explanation are merely exemplary in describing the devices and methods of the present disclosure. Accordingly, modifications, changes and substitutions are contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 1, an alert vehicle 10 proceeds another vehicle 12 on rails 11, both having transceivers to communicate with each other. The alert vehicle has sensors to detect such hazards as missing or damaged track, objects that would cause disruption to the path of any vehicle, and other hazards. The alert vehicle can be any powered vehicle configured for travel.

Referring to FIG. 2, an alert vehicle on wheels designed for rails 22 shown on rails 20 with a power supply 21, path disruption sensor 23, transceiver 24, and recharge connection 25 for the power supply to be charged from ensuing vehicle.

While various embodiments of an alert vehicle and related methods have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented in a way of example only, and not limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing alerts to an ensuing vehicle and a plurality of receivers, comprising: an alert vehicle including: a sensor to detect path disruption; and a control system that regulates speed and distance from an ensuing vehicle((,)) that also reads and transmits sensor information to an ensuing vehicle; and a transceiver that transmits sensor information to a plurality of receivers in designated locations and systems; an ensuing vehicle including: a transceiver communicating with the said alert vehicle; and an audio and visual display for the operator to receive data and alerts. a plurality of receivers in designated locations and systems to receive sensor data from said alert vehicle.
 2. A system for providing audio, visual and electronic alerts ((to)) an ensuing vehicle and a plurality of receivers, comprising: an alert vehicle including: a plurality of warning devices to provide audio, visual, and electronic warning to an ensuing vehicle; and a control system that regulates speed and distance from an ensuing vehicle((,)) that also reads and transmits sensor information to an ensuing vehicle; and a transceiver that transmits sensor information to a plurality of receivers in designated locations and systems; an ensuing vehicle including: a transceiver communicating with the said alert vehicle. a plurality of receivers in designated locations and systems to receive warning data from said alert vehicle. 